Today Honda took the covers off its latest concept vehicle, the Honda Odyssey Concept. On display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, this new concept is likely not a far departure from the upcoming next-generation Odyssey minivan.
The new concept vehicle suggests that the new next-gen Honda Odyssey will offer less conservative styling compared to the current generation. A lower roofline and a wider footprint both help the Odyssey Concept achieve a more aggressive look.
Although distancing the Odyssey from its competition in terms of styling was crucial, Honda also kept functionality, safety, and fuel economy among the top priorities when setting out to design this new concept. Ultimately, this balance paid off, and the Odyssey Concept not only adds more personality than the current generation, but also promises to maintain the existing model’s strengths.
Thanks to its new and more aerodynamic shape, not to mention the addition of advanced powertrain upgrades, the next generation Honda Odyssey is expected to deliver class leading fuel economy. When the all-new production-ready 2011 Honda Odyssey debuts this fall, expect fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
While minivans have lost ground to hip crossovers in recent years, but the updated Toyota Sienna shows that there’s still life in the minivan segment. Overland Park Honda dealers for example have witnessed steady demand for the Odyssey, and if the Odyssey Concept is an indication of the next-generation, that demand should only grow once it hits production. As minivan buyers these days want style, power, and efficiency just as much as they demand versatility, Honda Alexandria expects the new Odyssey will pack all those requirements in and much more.
Explore more Honda Odyssey Concept photos and read additional details via the official press release below.
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Press Release:
Odyssey Concept Reveals Stylish, Dynamic Image for All-New Honda Minivan
02/10/2010 – CHICAGO - The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at the Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior styling direction for the next generation of the industry’s best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo.
The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.
Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).
Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 20082 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.
The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.
Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions
Length (inches) 202.8 Width (inches) 78.5 Height (inches) 68.3 Wheelbase (inches) 118.1
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